139 results on '"K. Krasagakis"'
Search Results
2. A real-world, non-interventional, prospective study of the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve adults with moderate plaque psoriasis treated in the routine care in Greece - the 'APRAISAL' study
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D. Ioannides, N. Antonakopoulos, V. Chasapi, C. Oikonomou, E. Tampouratzi, E. Lazaridou, D. Rigopoulos, O. Neofotistou, A. Drosos, G. Anastasiadis, E. Rovithi, C. Kalinou, E. Papadavid, P. Aronis, M. Papageorgiou, A. Protopapa, I. Bassukas, I. Lefaki, E. Zafiriou, K. Krasagakis, E. Pokas, Z. Anagnostopoulos, A. Kekki, and M. Papakonstantis
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Adult ,Infectious Diseases ,Treatment Outcome ,Greece ,Quality of Life ,Humans ,Psoriasis ,Dermatology ,Prospective Studies ,Middle Aged ,Severity of Illness Index ,Thalidomide - Abstract
Real-world data in patients with moderate psoriasis treated with apremilast is limited.To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis in real-world clinical settings.This was a 52-week multicenter, observational, prospective study of adult outpatients with moderate psoriasis {[10% body surface area 20% or 10 psoriasis area severity index (PASI) 20] and 10 dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) 20} initiated on apremilast ≤7 days before enrollment. Missing data were imputed using the last observation carried forward method.A total of 287 eligible patients (median age: 54.2 years; median psoriasis duration: 9.8 years) were consecutively enrolled. At baseline, the median DLQI and PASI scores were 12.0 and 11.8, respectively. The 52-week DLQI ≤ 5 and PASI75 response rates were 68.3% and 61.0%. At 52 weeks, 70.8% and 72.7% of the patients shifted from moderate/severe/very severe to clear/minimal scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis involvement, respectively; the pruritus severity state improved in 67.2%. The 52-week Kaplan-Meier estimated drug continuation rate was 85.3%. The adverse drug reaction rate was 19.9%.Apremilast is a safe and effective treatment for bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis and specific psoriasis manifestations.
- Published
- 2022
3. Herpes zoster viral infection after AZD1222 and BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines: a case series
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Koumaki, D. Krueger-Krasagakis, S. -e. Papadakis, M. and Katoulis, A. Koumaki, V. Evangelou, G. Stefanidou, M. and Mylonakis, D. Zografaki, K. Krasagakis, K.
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- 2022
4. Psoriasis flare-up after AZD1222 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: report of twelve cases from a single centre
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D. Koumaki, S.‐E. Krueger‐Krasagakis, M. Papadakis, A.C. Katoulis, I. Gkiaouraki, K. Zografaki, D. Mylonakis, and K. Krasagakis
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Vaccines, Synthetic ,Infectious Diseases ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 ,COVID-19 ,Humans ,Psoriasis ,Dermatology ,RNA, Messenger ,mRNA Vaccines ,BNT162 Vaccine - Published
- 2021
5. POSB63 Analysis of Cost per PASI75 and per Dlqi 0/1 Responder over 52 WEEKS in Patients with Moderate Plaque Psoriasis Initiated on Apremilast, Remaining on Apremilast or Switching to Biologics, and Patients Hypothetically Treated with Biologics AB Initio, Based on the Results of the Apraisal Multicenter Observational Study in Greece
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E Sotiriou, V Chasapi, E Gialeli, J Katsantonis, E Lazaridou, N Rompoti, O Neofotistou, A Drosos, KD Tomai, E Rovithi, C Kalinou, E Papadavid, P Aronis, M Papageorgiou, A Protopapa, K Mavridou, I Lefaki, E Zafiriou, K Krasagakis, E Pokas, A Kekki, Z Anagnostopoulos, N Antonakopoulos, and M Papakonstantis
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Health Policy ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health - Published
- 2022
6. 166 Quality of life and pruritus in moderate bio-naive psoriasis patients treated with apremilast: 6-week interim results of a real-world, multicenter, prospective study in Greece
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E. Zafiriou, T. Spiliopoulos, A. Drosos, C. Tziortzioti, A. Protopapa, A. Malouchou, K. Krasagakis, N. Antonakopoulos, Elizabeth Lazaridou, and A. Koleta
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medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Cell Biology ,Dermatology ,medicine.disease ,Biochemistry ,Quality of life ,Internal medicine ,Psoriasis ,Interim ,medicine ,Apremilast ,Prospective cohort study ,business ,Molecular Biology ,medicine.drug - Published
- 2019
7. Local complications of erysipelas: a study of associated risk factors
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K. Krasagakis, G. Samonis, A. Tosca, P. Maniatakis, G. Evangelou, and A. Valachis
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medicine.medical_specialty ,biology ,business.industry ,Medical record ,C-reactive protein ,Retrospective cohort study ,Dermatology ,Disease ,medicine.disease ,Erysipelas ,Surgery ,Purpura ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,biology.protein ,medicine.symptom ,Risk factor ,Complication ,business - Abstract
Summary Background. Local complications of erysipelas include haemorrhagic, bullous, abscessing and necrotic lesions. The risk factors predisposing patients to local complications are not fully known. Aim. To examine local complications of erysipelas and to identify possible risk factors predisposing to their appearance. Methods. Medical records from all patients hospitalized with complications of erysipelas (purpura, bullae, abscesses and necrosis), admitted to the University Hospital of Heraklion between 1994 and 2002, were retrospectively studied. Clinical and laboratory data were compared with those from patients with erysipelas without local complications. Results. In total, 145 patients were analysed, of whom 46 had local disease complications. Using bivariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with disease complications were found to be age ≥ 51 years, obesity, longer duration of local symptoms, and fever on admission. During hospitalization, increased C-reactive protein level, isolation of pathogens, longer duration of fever and/or presence of leucocytosis, absence of response to initial antibiotic therapy, and longer length of hospitalization were also associated with complications in the bivariate analysis. However, in the multivariate analysis, obesity (OR 4.489, 95% CI 1.719–11.725, P = 0.002) was the only independent factor associated with complicated erysipelas. Conclusions. This study found obesity to be an independent risk factor for local complications, of erysipelas. Hence, obese patients with erysipelas are prone to complications, and should be carefully evaluated because of the potential severity of disease and the increased risk of failure of empirical antimicrobial therapy.
- Published
- 2010
8. Der Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β)-Signalweg und seine Bedeutung beim malignen Melanom
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K. Krasagakis
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medicine.medical_specialty ,R-SMAD ,TGF alpha ,Chemistry ,Dermatology ,Biology ,Paracrine signalling ,Endocrinology ,Oncology ,Transforming growth factor, beta 3 ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Cancer research ,Signal transduction ,Autocrine signalling ,Protein kinase C ,Transforming growth factor - Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β is a potent growth inhibitor for normal melanocytes. This function is lost in the course of tumorigenesis, since several melanoma cell lines are only slightly or not at all inhibited by TGF-β. In melanoma, the transduction of antiproliferative signals by TGF-β is often abolished, and the autocrine production of TGF-β increased. By this way, several TGF-β-driven paracrine effects, such as extracellular matrix remodeling, neoangiogenesis, and immunosuppression induce local tumor growth and metastasis. The interaction of Smads, the major TGF-β signaling proteins, with other signaling systems such as the mitogen-activated protein kinases, the SKI/SnoN proteins, and the protein kinase C family, possibly contributes to the escape of melanoma cells from TGF-β growth control. Therefore, the clarification of the molecular interactions of the TGF-β signaling pathway may further promote the development of new treatment concepts for melanoma.
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- 2008
9. Chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate-containing proteoglycans are both partners and targets of basic fibroblast growth factor-mediated proliferation in human metastatic melanoma cell lines
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George N. Tzanakakis, Pavlos Katonis, K. Krasagakis, Maria Sifaki, Nikos K. Karamanos, M. Assouti, and Dragana Nikitovic
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Basic fibroblast growth factor ,Perlecan ,Biochemistry ,Dermatan sulfate ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Sulfation ,Cell Line, Tumor ,medicine ,Humans ,Chondroitin ,Chondroitin sulfate ,Neoplasm Metastasis ,Melanoma ,Cell Proliferation ,Glycosaminoglycans ,biology ,Chondroitin Sulfates ,Cell Differentiation ,Cell Biology ,Heparan sulfate ,Heparin ,Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ,Molecular biology ,Fibroblast Growth Factors ,carbohydrates (lipids) ,Autocrine Communication ,Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,Proteoglycans ,Heparitin Sulfate ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and its respective tyrosine kinase receptors, form an autocrine loop that affects human melanoma growth and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible participation of various glycosaminoglycans, i.e. chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate and heparin on basal and FGF-2-induced growth of WM9 and M5 human metastatic melanoma cells. Exogenous glycosaminoglycans mildly inhibited WM9 cell's proliferation, which was abolished by FGF-2. Treatment with the specific inhibitor of the glycosaminoglycan sulfation, sodium chlorate, demonstrated that endogenous glycosaminoglycan/proteoglycan production is required for both basal and stimulated by FGF-2 proliferation of these cells. Heparin capably restored their growth, and unexpectedly exogenous chondroitin sulfate to WM9 and both chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate to M5 cells allowed FGF-2 mitogenic stimulation. Furthermore, in WM9 cells the degradation of membrane-bound chondroitin/dermatan sulfate stimulates basal growth and even enhances FGF-2 stimulation. The specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein completely blocked the effects of FGF-2 and glycosaminoglycans on melanoma proliferation whereas the use of the neutralizing antibody for FGF-2 showed that the mitogenic effect of chondroitin sulfate involves the interaction of FGF-2 with its receptors. Both the amounts of chondroitin/dermatan/heparan sulfate and their sulfation levels differed between the cell lines and were distinctly modulated by FGF-2. In this study, we show that chondroitin/dermatan sulfate-containing proteoglycans, likely in cooperation with heparan sulfate, participate in metastatic melanoma cell FGF-2-induced mitogenic response, which represents a novel finding and establishes the central role of sulfated glycosaminoglycans on melanoma growth.
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- 2008
10. Autokrine und parakrine Wachstumsregulation des malignen Melanoms durch Zytokine
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K. Krasagakis
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Dermatology - Published
- 2004
11. Cutaneous alternariosis revealing acute myeloid leukaemia in an adult patient. Fallbericht. Hautalternariose als Indikator einer akuten myeloischen Leukamie bei einem Erwachsenen
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S. Krüger Krasagakis, K. Krasagakis, M. Alexandrakis, A. Tosca, M. Stefanidou, Sofia Maraki, and Despina Ioannidou
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Pathology ,business.industry ,Cutaneous Alternariosis ,Dermatology ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Infectious Diseases ,Refractory ,Male patient ,medicine ,Myeloid leukaemia ,business ,Alternariosis - Abstract
Summary We report a case of cutaneous alternariosis in a 69-year-old male patient. During hospitalization for treatment of the skin disorder, acute myeloid leukaemia was diagnosed. He received multiple chemotherapeutic agents but the leukaemia remained refractory to therapy and the patient died. The clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous alternariosis will be discussed and a review of the literature regarding patients with haematological diseases will be given. Zusammenfassung Wir berichten ubet einen Fall einer kutanen Alternariose bei einem 69-jahrigen mannlichen Patienten. Wahrend seines stationaren Aufenthaltes zur Behandlung seiner Hauterkrankung, wurde eine akute myeloische Leukamie diagnostiziert. Er erhielt Polychemotherapie, aber die Leukamie blieb therapierefraktar, und der Patient verstarb. Das klinische Bild, die Diagnose und die Behandlung der kutanen Alternariose wird besprochen und ein Review der Literatur wird beigefugt uber Alternariosen bei hamatologischen Erkrankungen.
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- 2004
12. Adhesion of human mast cells to extracellular matrix provides a co-stimulatory signal for cytokine production
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K Krasagakis, Andreas Grützkau, Sabine Krüger-Krasagakes, Beate M. Henz, and S Hoffmann
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biology ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Immunology ,Mast cell ,Cell biology ,Proinflammatory cytokine ,Fibronectin ,Interleukin 33 ,Cytokine ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,biology.protein ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Vitronectin ,Cell adhesion ,Interleukin 5 - Abstract
Engagement of integrin receptors during cell adhesion leads to changes in the morphology and the state of activation of cells. We therefore examined whether mast cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins affects the synthesis and release of various proinflammatory cytokines. Cells of the human mast cell line HMC-1 were added to fibronectin (FN)-, vitronectin (VN)- or, as a control, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated wells and were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and/or calcium ionophore A23187 (ionophore). Cytokine production was evaluated using semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis of cell extracts and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of cell supernatants. After a 4-hr incubation, mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-8 (and weakly of IL-6) was up-regulated in matrix-adherent cells, with further increase in the presence of PMA and/or ionophore, compared with unstimulated cells. High-level de novo expression of IL-3 and of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was observed mainly in matrix-adherent cells. These changes were paralleled by the secretory pattern of HMC-1 cells after a 24-hr stimulation. Unstimulated cells adherent to FN or VN had already released small amounts of IL-8, and both VN- and FN-adherent cells produced, almost invariably, a higher level of cytokines than BSA-exposed cells after additional stimulation. These results show that mast cell adhesion to matrix proteins by itself has only selected and minor effects, but additional activation of mast cells by secretory stimuli causes significantly enhanced cytokine gene expression and secretion, suggesting that mast cells are far more active in their natural tissue environment than hitherto suggested from data in suspension cultures.
- Published
- 1999
13. Low molecular thymic peptides improve the deficient immunocytotoxicity of mononuclear cells from tumor patients in vitro
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K. Krasagakis, R Stange, M Kalden, E Klaus, and H.R. Maurer
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Cancer Research ,Oncogene ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Melanoma ,Lymphokine ,Cancer ,General Medicine ,Immunotherapy ,Cell cycle ,Biology ,medicine.disease ,Peripheral blood mononuclear cell ,Molecular medicine ,Oncology ,Immunology ,medicine - Abstract
We studied, in vitro, the stimulating effects of a commercial preparation of low molecular thymic peptides (TP) on the immunocytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes from patients with breast tumors, melanoma and colorectal tumors. On average, tumor patients showed a lower natural killer (NK), lymphokine (IL-2) activated killer (LAK) cell and basic tumoristatic activity of monocytes, compared with healthy donors. There was no correlation between the NK-cell number and the NK-cell activity of the tumor patients. The TP showed no effects on the NK-cell activity in any group, yet elevated the deficient LAK-cell activity of tumor patients and that of healthy donors. On monocytes, TP enhanced the deranged tumoristatic activity only in tumor patients, while being slightly inhibitory on control monocytes. Dividing the donors on the basis of the TP effects on cytotoxicity of the mononuclear cells into TP-nonresponders and TP-responders, a higher number of TP-responders was found among tumor patients, compared with healthy donors. Moreover, a higher number of TP-nonresponders were observed with lymphocytes from colorectal tumor patients at advanced tumor stage. Therefore, on the basis of the applied immunocytotoxic assays, these results may provide a basis for selecting tumor patients, who may respond to TP in immunotherapy protocols.
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- 2011
14. Effects of thymic peptides, in vitro, on the impaired immunocytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from tumor patients
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M Kalden, R Stange, K Eckert, G. Mayer, H.R. Maurer, and K. Krasagakis
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Cancer Research ,Chemokine ,Lymphokine-activated killer cell ,Oncogene ,Melanoma ,Lymphokine ,Cancer ,Biology ,medicine.disease ,Peripheral blood mononuclear cell ,Oncology ,Immunology ,Cancer research ,medicine ,biology.protein ,Cytokine secretion - Abstract
The effects of a thymic peptide preparation (TP) on the immunocytotoxicity and cytokine secretion of peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes from patients with colorectal tumors, breast tumors and melanoma were studied in vitro. On average, breast tumor and melanoma patients showed significantly lower natural killer (NK) cell activities than colorectal tumor patients and normal controls. In contrast, the generation of lymphokine (IL-2) activated killer (LAK) cells was found to be comparable within the different tumor diseases (24% cytotoxicity), but lower than in the group of normal controls. TP, being without any effects on NK cell activity in all groups, increased the deficient LAK cell activity of breast tumor and melanoma patients, as well as of normal controls? without significant effects on PBL from colorectal tumor patients. This increase was found to be associated with an increase of the IL-2 induced IFN-gamma and, on a lower level, TNF-alpha secretion, especially from breast tumor and melanoma patients. In addition, monocytes from these patients showed a deranged tumoristatic activity, compared to colorectal tumor patients and normal controls. The stimulation of monocytes by IFN-gamma greatly elevated the mean of the antitumor activity in all groups studied. TP being slightly effective on monocytes from melanoma patients, did not further enhance monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity when applied alone or in combination with IFN-gamma. Reduced basal monocytic chemokine levels were only found in the groups of melanoma (IL-8) and colorectal tumor patients (MCP-1), whereas RANTES secretion was increased, compared to normal controls. TP was active only in reducing the IL-8 secretion of monocytes from colon tumor patients. The results indicate that selected functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be partially improved by the thymic peptide preparation.
- Published
- 2011
15. Local complications of erysipelas: a study of associated risk factors
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K, Krasagakis, G, Samonis, A, Valachis, P, Maniatakis, G, Evangelou, and A, Tosca
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Adult ,Fever ,Age Factors ,Middle Aged ,Abscess ,Hospitalization ,Erysipelas ,Blister ,C-Reactive Protein ,Risk Factors ,Multivariate Analysis ,Humans ,Obesity ,Aged ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
Local complications of erysipelas include haemorrhagic, bullous, abscessing and necrotic lesions. The risk factors predisposing patients to local complications are not fully known.To examine local complications of erysipelas and to identify possible risk factors predisposing to their appearance.Medical records from all patients hospitalized with complications of erysipelas (purpura, bullae, abscesses and necrosis), admitted to the University Hospital of Heraklion between 1994 and 2002, were retrospectively studied. Clinical and laboratory data were compared with those from patients with erysipelas without local complications.In total, 145 patients were analysed, of whom 46 had local disease complications. Using bivariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with disease complications were found to be age ≥ 51 years, obesity, longer duration of local symptoms, and fever on admission. During hospitalization, increased C-reactive protein level, isolation of pathogens, longer duration of fever and/or presence of leucocytosis, absence of response to initial antibiotic therapy, and longer length of hospitalization were also associated with complications in the bivariate analysis. However, in the multivariate analysis, obesity (OR 4.489, 95% CI 1.719-11.725, P = 0.002) was the only independent factor associated with complicated erysipelas.This study found obesity to be an independent risk factor for local complications, of erysipelas. Hence, obese patients with erysipelas are prone to complications, and should be carefully evaluated because of the potential severity of disease and the increased risk of failure of empirical antimicrobial therapy.
- Published
- 2011
16. Supplement II: Abstracts of the international symposium on Skin Carcinogenesis in man and in experimental models. Heidelberg, 29–31 October 1991 (pp S61–S88)
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C. J. Kemp, G. Stingl, C. Caulín, E. G. Jung, H. Tanooka, J. Lassus, E. F. Griffin, Douglas R. Lowy, J. L. Jorcano, J. C. Wang, L. Weber, R. Kato, Paul Janiaud, S. Ohno, A. Schwaaf, R. Gollhausen, N. Sönnichsen, H. Hug, Toshio Kuroki, M. Yaar, J. R. Schlehofer, K. Krasagakis, PE Purkis, Monika M. Gross, H. Heine, H. Mukhtar, J. A. Newton, G. Reisbach, C. Bauer, A. Winter, K. M. Niemi, S. Yamamoto, Bernd L. Sorg, V. A. DeLeo, S. Bruvers, P. Navarro, A. Ootsuyama, G. Tadini, Bert J. Vermeer, D. English, A. B. Bianchi, S. Feil, A. Lehmus, H. Winter, P. T. Strickland, C. Proby, J. M. Foidart, R. Eckert, R. E. Albert, N. E. Fusenig, E. Lee, R. D. Granstein, P. Bums, E. Berti, J. Jürgensmeier, H. Roeser, J. Nährig, A. Anders, F. R. de Gruijl, C. S. Baxter, R. Mailhammer, H. van Weelden, Y. Fujiwara, E. Filvaroff, E. Weber, S. Froschermaier, G. Graf, J. C. Barrett, J. Weiss, H. Weber, B. Hennig, M. Miller, F. Urbach, K. Yamamura, E. Pâques, A. Hülsen, Seymour Garte, B. A. Gilchrest, S. Neill, K. Thalmeier, C. Zechel, Jan P. Vandenbroucke, B. Epe, P. Höfler, B. Przybilla, A. Markey, C. Gilles, C. Bauluz, I. B. Weinstein, U. Van der Piepen, Fokko J. Van Der Woude, T. Jimbo, A. Cano, P. Tomakidi, M. Quintanilla, A. Real, T. Grande, G. T. Bowden, H. Friesel, Y. Mishima, Jan N. Bouwes Bavinck, D. Breitkreutz, Stanley J. Miller, M. Piette, E. Wagner, M. Buček, A. Kopp-Schneider, C. A. Afshari, A. Ranki, M. Garmyn, Margaret L. Kripke, C. Baxter, E. Hecker, Hiroshi Tanooka, F. Harks, E. Lopez-Bran, P. A. Futreal, H. Wei, M. B. Abdel-Naser, A. Diugosz, S. Altmeier, J. Macejewski, Uwe Wollina, J. Römisch, B. Eberlein, E. B. Broecker, Y. Funasaka, M. Glover, M. Haas, S. Gruner, T. Bishop, J. Leers, G. Picht, A. Gilani, W. Diezel, D. S. Silvers, A. Glick, R. Krauß, H. Harris, Anne Østerlind, J. Levy, A. Cerri, E. Danen, K. Schiess, E. Viesel, H. Gröger, B. C. Bastian, K. Hayashibe, K. H. Richter, K. Frenkel, Odilia Popanda, M. Gómez, I. Moll, U. Schleenbecker, M. Ueda, Fritz Anders, H. D. Volk, K. Möller, M. Ichihashi, M. Martín, G. Krauter, S. Krüger-Krasagakes, D. J. Ruiter, J. C. van der Leun, M. Götschl, R. Niedner, Sylvia A. Sedman, T. M. Rünqer, Akira Ootsuyama, Judith P. Johnson, A. Montes, A. G. Ushmorov, G. Bauer, R. Schnapke, S. Kahn, B. Kempkes, C. Garbe, B. Steinbauer, B. K. Armstrong, P. Plein, T. Schneider, C. Missero, B. Schlatterer, M. Schara, P. J. Heenan, M. Stephan, B. A. Burkhart, A. J. P. Klein-Szanto, Eva-B. Bröcker, R. Halaban, S. Grabbe, G. N. P. van Muijen, E. Azizi, D. Schaefer, A. A. Hartmann, C. Ballestin, P. Klein-Bauernschmitt, R. Shukla, G. Kelfkens, M. Nelson, Friedrich Rippmann, M. Kaszkin, S. G. Zubova, Bruce D. Cohen, T. Cody, A. Kricker, V. B. Okulov, P. Fuchs, V. Kinzel, S. Osada, A. Balmain, A. B. Stoler, T. T. Sun, J. Svetek, W. D. Lehmann, F. Larcher, P. Krieg, Jürgen Schweizer, M. Hergenhahn, A. Faissner, G. P. Dotto, C. J. Conti, U. Burcin, L. Hültner, V. Bataille, G. Fürstenberger, EB Lane, A. Smith, D. Jahrens, K. Elgjo, Walter Troll, A. Gandarillas, M. Schön, R. D. Owen, S. Ramón y Cajal, Heinz Walter Thielmann, A. O. Danilov, S. H. Yuspa, J. Cuzick, P. L. Randell, Sylvia Unger, J. A. Boyd, C. Sutter, N. M. Navone, IM Leigh, H. J. Stark, L. A. Annab, R. Gitto, James M. Spencer, C. E. Orfanos, R. M. Lavker, W. Tilgen, R. Albert, H. L. Moses, Eric J. Stanbridge, R. Kosters, Rainer Schmidt, P. Boukamp, E. Schöpf, U. Pascheberg, Yuichi Hashimoto, A. Robledo, F. Marks, J. Sherman, J. Richards, C. E. Klein, Frans H.J. Claas, S. Pečar, Bernard M. Mechler, Doris Rueß, B. Fiebich, Lutz Edler, John T. Schiller, and H. Fujiki
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Oncology ,Cancer Research ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Internal medicine ,Medicine ,General Medicine ,business ,Carcinogenesis ,medicine.disease_cause - Published
- 1991
17. Lumican, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan substituted with keratan sulfate chains is expressed and secreted by human melanoma cells and not normal melanocytes
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George N. Tzanakakis, Nikos K. Karamanos, M. Assouti, Dragana Nikitovic, Maria Sifaki, and K. Krasagakis
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Lumican ,Keratan sulfate ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Biochemistry ,Extracellular matrix ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Dermis ,Cell Line, Tumor ,Genetics ,medicine ,Humans ,RNA, Messenger ,Molecular Biology ,Melanoma ,Cells, Cultured ,biology ,Chemistry ,Cell Biology ,medicine.disease ,Cell biology ,Blot ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Proteoglycan ,Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans ,Cell culture ,Keratan Sulfate ,biology.protein ,Melanocytes - Abstract
Melanoma is a frequent and therapy-resistant human disease. Malignant melanocytes modulate their microenvironment in order to penetrate the dermal/epidermal junction and eventually invade the dermis. The small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) constitute important constituents of the dermis extracellular matrix (ECM), participating in both the structural and the functional organization of the skin. The role of a keratan sulphate SLRP lumican, has recently been investigated in the growth and metastasis of several cancers. In this study, the expression of lumican was studied in two human melanoma cell lines (WM9, M5) as well as in normal neonatal human melanocytes (HEMN) using real time PCR, western blotting with antibodies against the protein core and keratan sulfate, and treatments with specific enzymes. Both human metastatic melanoma cell lines were found to express lumican mRNA and effectively secrete lumican in a proteoglycan form, characterized to be substituted mostly with keratan sulfate chains. Lumican mRNA was not detected in normal melanocytes. This is the first time that the synthesis and secretion of lumican in human melanoma cell lines is reported. The role of this proteoglycan in the development and progression of malignant melanoma has to be further investigated.
- Published
- 2006
18. Cutaneous alternariosis revealing acute myeloid leukaemia in an adult patient
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D, Ioannidou, S, Maraki, S, Krüger Krasagakis, M, Stefanidou, K, Krasagakis, M, Alexandrakis, and A, Tosca
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Adult ,Male ,Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ,Myelodysplastic Syndromes ,Alternaria ,Dermatomycoses ,Humans ,Skin - Abstract
We report a case of cutaneous alternariosis in a 69-year-old male patient. During hospitalization for treatment of the skin disorder, acute myeloid leukaemia was diagnosed. He received multiple chemotherapeutic agents but the leukaemia remained refractory to therapy and the patient died. The clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous alternariosis will be discussed and a review of the literature regarding patients with haematological diseases will be given.
- Published
- 2004
19. Neue pathogenetische Aspekte beim Merkelzellkarzinom
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K. Krasagakis
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Dermatology - Abstract
Die jungsten Entwicklungen zur Pathogenese des Merkelzellkarzinoms haben unser Verstandnis fur diesen Tumor betrachtlich verbessert. Die klonale Integration des Merkelzell(polyom)virus ins Genom der Tumorzellen und die tumorspezifische verkurzende Mutation des LT-Antigens wahrend der Integration ist dabei der wesentliche Mechanismus, der zur Entartung der Zellen fuhrt. Weitere Ereignisse tragen offensichtlich zur Merkelzelltransformation bei, wie die simultane Expression des Stammzellfaktors und seines Rezeptors KIT, was eine autokrine Forderung des Zellwachstums bewirkt.
- Published
- 2012
20. Erythema annulare centrifugum and osteoarthritis treated with hyaluronic acid
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D, Ioannidou, K, Krasagakis, M, Stefanidou, and A, Tosca
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Male ,Adjuvants, Immunologic ,Erythema ,Humans ,Hyaluronic Acid ,Osteoarthritis, Knee ,Aged - Published
- 2002
21. Adhesion of human mast cells to extracellular matrix provides a co-stimulatory signal for cytokine production
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S, Krüger-Krasagakes, A, Grützkau, K, Krasagakis, S, Hoffmann, and B M, Henz
- Subjects
Extracellular Matrix Proteins ,Ionophores ,Interleukin-6 ,Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Interleukins ,Interleukin-8 ,Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ,Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ,Cell Line ,Fibronectins ,Cell Adhesion ,Humans ,Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate ,Original Article ,Mast Cells ,RNA, Messenger ,Vitronectin ,Calcimycin - Abstract
Engagement of integrin receptors during cell adhesion leads to changes in the morphology and the state of activation of cells. We therefore examined whether mast cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins affects the synthesis and release of various proinflammatory cytokines. Cells of the human mast cell line HMC-1 were added to fibronectin (FN)-, vitronectin (VN)- or, as a control, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated wells and were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and/or calcium ionophore A23187 (ionophore). Cytokine production was evaluated using semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis of cell extracts and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of cell supernatants. After a 4-hr incubation, mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-8 (and weakly of IL-6) was up-regulated in matrix-adherent cells, with further increase in the presence of PMA and/or ionophore, compared with unstimulated cells. High-level de novo expression of IL-3 and of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was observed mainly in matrix-adherent cells. These changes were paralleled by the secretory pattern of HMC-1 cells after a 24-hr stimulation. Unstimulated cells adherent to FN or VN had already released small amounts of IL-8, and both VN- and FN-adherent cells produced, almost invariably, a higher level of cytokines than BSA-exposed cells after additional stimulation. These results show that mast cell adhesion to matrix proteins by itself has only selected and minor effects, but additional activation of mast cells by secretory stimuli causes significantly enhanced cytokine gene expression and secretion, suggesting that mast cells are far more active in their natural tissue environment than hitherto suggested from data in suspension cultures.
- Published
- 1999
22. Desensitization of melanoma cells to autocrine TGF-beta isoforms
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K, Krasagakis, S, Krüger-Krasagakes, S, Fimmel, J, Eberle, D, Thölke, M, von der Ohe, U, Mansmann, and C E, Orfanos
- Subjects
Gene Expression ,DNA ,DNA, Neoplasm ,Growth Inhibitors ,Recombinant Proteins ,Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ,Transforming Growth Factor beta ,Tumor Cells, Cultured ,Humans ,Melanocytes ,RNA, Messenger ,RNA, Neoplasm ,Neoplasm Metastasis ,Melanoma ,Cell Division ,Cells, Cultured - Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) acts as an autocrine growth inhibitor on normal human melanocytes, while melanoma cells may not respond to this stimulus. The role of other TGF-beta isoforms such as TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 remained less well characterized. In the present study, the mRNA and protein levels of all three isoforms of TGF-beta were analyzed in a panel of human melanoma cell lines and in cultures of normal human melanocytes in vitro. Northern analysis showed that the degree of TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3 mRNA expression varied considerably in melanoma cells, whereas TGF-beta expression was very low in melanocytes. In melanoma cells, secreted amounts of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 were found increased in comparison to normal melanocytes: 615 pg/ml vs. 118 pg/ml and 193 pg/ml vs. 30 pg/ml (mean values). In addition, low levels of TGF-beta2 were detected (mean value: 28 pg/ml). Although TGF-beta secretion increased, the proliferation of melanoma cells was found to be only moderately inhibited by TGF-beta isoforms, in contrast to its strong antiproliferative effect on normal human melanocytes: - 15%, -11%, and -18% vs. -52%, -46%, and -50% average inhibition at 0.5 ng/ml TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3, respectively. The different efficacy of TGF-beta on melanocyte and melanoma cells was highly significant (P0.0001); in addition, TGF-beta-dependent growth inhibition of melanoma cells from primary tumors vs. cells from metastases showed a trend for further decreased response for the metastatic populations (Por = 0.075). Measurements of DNA synthesis revealed even more pronounced differences between melanocytes (-86%, -78%, and -80% inhibition, respectively, for TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3) and melanoma cells (no inhibition). Our data show loss of responsiveness of melanoma cells to the growth-inhibitory function of TGF-beta isoforms but not of melanocytes. Although melanoma cells are not growth-inhibited by all three TGF-beta isoforms, they secrete significantly higher levels of TGF-beta, as compared to melanocytes. The reduced response indicates their escape from TGF-beta surveillance with ongoing tumor progression.
- Published
- 1999
23. Remission of scleromyxoedema following treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis
- Author
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K, Krasagakis, C C, Zouboulis, M, Owsianowski, J, Ramaker, C, Trautmann, B, Tebbe, and C E, Orfanos
- Subjects
Adult ,Lichenoid Eruptions ,Mucinoses ,Immunoglobulin G ,Photopheresis ,Paraproteinemias ,Humans ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies - Abstract
Scleromyxoedema, a disseminated papular and sclerotic variant of lichen myxoedematosus, is a rare disease with a chronic progressive course, and little tendency towards spontaneous remission. The treatment of scleromyxoedema has been largely ineffective. Aggressive chemotherapeutic agents have been used, often leading to therapy-related morbidity and mortality. We report a 41-year-old woman with scleromyxoedema, associated with a monoclonal gammopathy of IgG-kappa type, whose condition almost completely cleared with 12 monthly sessions of extracorporeal photopheresis. The patient had previously not responded to isotretinoin, and chlorambucil with prednisolone.
- Published
- 1996
24. Production of cytokines by human melanoma cells and melanocytes
- Author
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S, Krüger-Krasagakes, K, Krasagakis, C, Garbe, and T, Diamantstein
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ,Skin Neoplasms ,Immune Tolerance ,Tumor Cells, Cultured ,Cytokines ,Humans ,Melanocytes ,RNA, Messenger ,RNA, Neoplasm ,Melanoma ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Cells, Cultured ,Neoplasm Proteins - Abstract
Experimental animal models have shown that various cytokines, depending of their specific properties, may support growth and metastasis of tumor cells or even lead to tumor rejection. The analysis of expression of cytokine genes by melanoma cell lines indicated that melanoma cells constitutively produce both autostimulatory and inhibitory cytokines. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis, simultaneous expression of several cytokines, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, by melanoma cells was found. The same cytokine transcripts were detected in melanocytes, suggesting that cells of the melanocytic lineage express a specific pattern of cytokines in vitro. All these cytokines are known to be able to stimulate effector cells of the host. Additionally, production of mRNA for IL-10, a cytokine with potential immunosuppressive properties, was detected in melanoma cells and melanocytes. These and other cytokines are likely to be involved in the immune response to cancer and at this time it is unknown what the net effects of multiple cytokines are on the outcome of the host response to tumor.
- Published
- 1995
25. Growth control of melanoma cells and melanocytes by cytokines
- Author
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K, Krasagakis, C, Garbe, C C, Zouboulis, and C E, Orfanos
- Subjects
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ,Skin Neoplasms ,Tumor Cells, Cultured ,Cytokines ,Humans ,Melanocytes ,Receptors, Cytokine ,Melanoma ,Cell Division ,Autoreceptors ,Neoplasm Proteins - Abstract
Aberrant proliferation of tumor cells characterizes cancer growth. Investigations of cellular growth control mechanisms have contributed to our understanding of carcinogenesis and to the identification of compounds with specific antitumor activity. Many cytokines have been found to act on melanoma tumors, either produced by the tumor cells themselves or by infiltrating host cells. Purified cytokines allowed direct comparison of the growth response between normal human melanocytes and malignant melanoma cells. The present paper summarizes results of a series of our own experiments not yet published and data from a review of the recent literature. Proliferation of normal human melanocytes is enhanced by several cytokines, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), melanoma growth stimulatory activity (MGSA), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and mast cell growth factor (MGF). Melanoma cells are additionally stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF)/transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and nerve growth factor (NGF). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), and interleukin (IL)-6 are all potent inhibitors of melanocyte growth, but they are less effective on melanoma cells or even stimulate their growth. Interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-gamma inhibited proliferation of melanoma cells but not of melanocytes, whereas IFN-beta showed antiproliferative effects in both cell types. These findings suggest an alteration in growth control mechanisms during melanocyte transformation and possibly play a role in melanoma pathogenesis.
- Published
- 1995
26. Proliferation and morphology of melanoma cells and benign human melanocytes under varying culture conditions
- Author
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J, Eberle, K, Krasagakis, C, Garbe, and C E, Orfanos
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ,Tumor Cells, Cultured ,Gene Expression ,Humans ,Melanocytes ,Melanoma ,Cell Division ,Cells, Cultured ,Culture Media - Abstract
In order to enable a direct comparison of gene expression in human melanoma cells and in normal human melanocytes, culture conditions were investigated under which both cell populations can be grown in vitro. Five of 13 melanoma cell lines tested could be cultured to confluence in a melanocyte medium containing fetal calf serum, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and stimulators of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, whereas none could be grown to confluence in a serum-free hormone-supplemented melanocyte medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor and other mitogens. In both melanocyte media the melanoma cells showed signs of increased morphological differentiation with dendrite formation. Normal human melanocytes could be grown in melanoma cell medium for a few days, after which the cultured cells showed a less differentiated phenotype. Since morphological changes may reflect variations in gene expression, we suggest that comparative studies on gene expression of benign and malignant melanocytes should also include thorough investigation under identical culture conditions.
- Published
- 1993
27. Diagnosis and management of Merkel cell carcinoma
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K. Krasagakis
- Subjects
Cancer Research ,Oncology ,business.industry ,Merkel cell carcinoma ,Cancer research ,Medicine ,Dermatology ,business ,medicine.disease - Published
- 2010
28. A cluster of early syphilis cases with ocular manifestations on the island of Crete.
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Koumaki D, Evangelou G, Marazaki F, Petrou D, Gorgomiti M, Gregoriou S, Ioannou P, Koumaki V, Detorakis ET, Chalkia A, Vavouranaki M, and Krasagakis K
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Causative allergens of eyelid dermatitis in Greece.
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Koumaki D, Gregoriou S, Katoulis A, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- Humans, Greece, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Adult, Eyelid Diseases chemically induced, Eyelid Diseases etiology, Aged, Dermatitis, Allergic Contact etiology, Dermatitis, Allergic Contact diagnosis, Allergens adverse effects, Patch Tests
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Clinical Significance and Microbiological Characteristics of Staphylococcus lugdunensis in Cutaneous Infections.
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Koumaki D, Maraki S, Evangelou G, Rovithi E, Petrou D, Apokidou ES, Gregoriou S, Koumaki V, Ioannou P, Zografaki K, Doxastaki A, Papadopoulou K, Stafylaki D, Mavromanolaki VE, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) commonly found on human skin. Unlike other CoNS, S. lugdunensis has a notable potential to cause severe infections comparable to Staphylococcus aureus . This study aimed to characterize the clinical and microbiological profile of patients with S. lugdunensis skin infections at a single center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient records from the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, covering the period from January 2014 to January 2024. Patients' clinical presentations, demographics, infection sites, comorbidities, prior infections, antimicrobial treatments, and therapeutic responses were examined. Specimens were collected, transported, and processed according to standardized microbiological protocols. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitek 2 automated system and MALDI-TOF MS, with results interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. Results: A total of 123 skin specimens positive for S. lugdunensis were analyzed. The cohort comprised 62 males (50.4%) and 61 females (49.6%), with a mean age of 40.24 ± 20.14 years. Most specimens were collected from pus (84%), primarily from below the waist (66.7%). Hidradenitis suppurativa (26%) was the most common condition associated with S. lugdunensis , followed by folliculitis, abscesses, ulcers, cellulitis, and acne. Co-infections with other bacteria were noted in 49.6% of cases, and 25.2% of infections were nosocomially acquired. The majority of patients (65%) received systemic antibiotics, predominantly amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime axetil, and doxycycline, with a cure rate of 100%. All isolates were susceptible to several antibiotics, though resistance to penicillin (28.5%) and clindamycin (36%) was observed. Conclusions: S. lugdunensis is a significant pathogen in skin infections, capable of causing severe disease. The high cure rate demonstrates the effectiveness of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Continued monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to manage resistance and ensure effective treatment.
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
31. Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesions.
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Koumaki D, Evangelou G, Maraki S, Rovithi E, Petrou D, Apokidou ES, Gregoriou S, Koumaki V, Ioannou P, Zografaki K, Doxastaki A, Katoulis A, Papadopoulou K, Stafylaki D, Mavromanolaki VE, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Background/Objectives : Antibiotic (AB) therapy is the first step in managing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Knowledge of the local patterns of antimicrobial resistance is paramount for the appropriate selection of antimicrobials. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in patients with HS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 patients with HS seen at the Dermatology Department at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, from January 2019 to December 2023, who were not on any antibiotics in the last three months. Results: A total of 103 patients with HS participated in this study. Purulent material from 139 skin lesions of these patients was swabbed, and 79.86% (111/139) tested positive for bacteria. Gram-positive isolates accounted for 73%, whereas Gram-negative isolates comprised 27%. Among the isolates, 85.1% were aerobes, and 14.9% were anaerobic. The most common bacterial families isolated were Staphylococcaceae (48.27%), Enterobacteriaceae (14.94%), and Streptococcaceae (6.89%). The antibiogram profiles of bacterial cultures revealed a 57.1% resistance to levofloxacin and a 53.3% resistance to penicillin in Staphylococcus lugdunensis , whereas Staphylococcus aureus showed a 76.9% resistance to penicillin and a 58.3% resistance to fusidic acid. High resistance rates of 63.5% for tigecycline, 63.3% for ampicillin, and 40.5% for colistin were observed for Gram-negative isolates. Resistances of 62.5%, 61.5%, and 53.8% to erythromycin, clindamycin, and penicillin, respectively, were observed in the anaerobes. Conclusions: Patients with HS displayed considerable resistance to bacterial proliferation. The revised therapeutic guidelines for HS should incorporate the latest insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Dermoscopic characteristics of Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Koumaki D, Evangelou G, Katoulis AC, Apalla Z, Lallas A, Papadakis M, Gregoriou S, Lazaridou E, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- Humans, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell diagnostic imaging, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell pathology, Dermoscopy methods, Skin Neoplasms pathology, Skin Neoplasms diagnostic imaging, Microscopy, Confocal methods
- Abstract
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, cutaneous tumour with high mortality and frequently delayed diagnosis. Clinically, it often manifests as a rapidly growing erythematous to purple nodule usually located on the lower extremities or face and scalp of elderly patients. There is limited available data on the dermoscopic findings of MCC, and there are no specific features that can be used to definitively diagnose MCC., Aim of the Study: Here, we aimed to summarize existing published literature on dermatoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of MCC., Materials and Methods: To find relevant studies, we searched the PubMed and Scopus databases from inception to April 12, 2023. Our goal was to identify all pertinent research that had been written in English. The following search strategy was employed: (" dermoscopy" OR " dermatoscopy" OR " videodermoscopy" OR " videodermatoscopy" OR " reflectance confocal microscopy") AND " Merkel cell carcinoma". Two dermatologists, DK and GE, evaluated the titles and abstracts separately for eligibility. For inclusion, only works written in English were taken into account., Results: In total 16 articles were retrieved (68 cases). The main dermoscopic findings of MCC are a polymorphous vascular pattern including linear irregular, arborizing, glomerular, and dotted vessels on a milky red background, with shiny or non-shiny white areas. Pigmentation was lacking in all cases. The RCM images showed a thin and disarranged epidermis, and small hypo-reflective cells that resembled lymphocytes arranged in solid aggregates outlined by fibrous tissue in the dermis. Additionally, there were larger polymorphic hyper-reflective cells that likely represented highly proliferative cells., Conclusion: Dermoscopic findings of MCC may play a valuable role in evaluating MCC, aiding in the early detection and differentiation from other skin lesions. Further prospective case-control studies are needed to validate these results., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Correction to: Real-Life Utility of Basophil Activation Test in the Diagnosis of Immediate Hypersensitivity Drug Reactions.
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Koumaki D, Gregoriou S, Evangelou G, Katoulis A, Papadakis M, Krueger-Krasagakis SE, Doxastaki A, Mylonakis D, and Krasagakis K
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Eosinophilic Dermatitis due to Triptorelin Pamoate in a Patient with Prostate Cancer Confirmed by Patch Testing.
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Koumaki D, Gregoriou S, Marinos L, Katoulis A, Papadakis M, Evangelou G, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- Male, Humans, Triptorelin Pamoate, Patch Tests, Prostatic Neoplasms drug therapy, Dermatitis, Cellulitis, Eosinophilia
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Real-Life Utility of Basophil Activation Test in the Diagnosis of Immediate Hypersensitivity Drug Reactions.
- Author
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Koumaki D, Gregoriou S, Evangelou G, Katoulis A, Papadakis M, Krueger-Krasagakis SE, Doxastaki A, Mylonakis D, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Introduction: The basophil activation test (BAT) is a flow cytometry laboratory technique that assesses the level of activation indicators expressed on the surface of basophils. We conducted a real-life study in a prospective cohort of patients with reported drug hypersensitivity reactions to determine the true relevance of BAT as a diagnostic tool for assessing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to medicines., Methods: We prospectively assessed individuals with clinical suspicion of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to drugs over a 2-year period. The allergological evaluation was carried out in accordance with European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidance. All patients underwent BAT using the activation marker CD63., Results: In total 13 patients with 54 reported immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions to medications were included in this study. Twelve were female (92.3%) and one was male (7.70%). The mean ± SD age of the patients was 47.31 ± 19.94 years. Antibiotics were tested in 35.2% (19/54) of patients, corticosteroids in 24.1% (13/54), iodinated contrast medium in 14.8% (8/54), and NSAIDs in 5.6% (3/54). There was no correlation between the BAT results and the age of patients, gender, type of medication, or time interval between the allergic reaction and BAT procedure. The sensitivity of BAT 5% CD63
+ basophils to drugs was 97.6%, specificity was 96% for drug allergies, positive predictive value (PPV) was 94.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.2%., Conclusions: The sensitivity of BAT for drug allergies is limited, but it can nevertheless be very helpful before contemplating provocation testing in cases of life-threatening drug allergies where patients cannot be rechallenged or in cases of medications for which no other tests are available or their results are ambiguous., (© 2023. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Intralesional photodynamic therapy induces apoptosis in basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease through caspase 3 and granzyme B.
- Author
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Evangelou G, Koumaki D, Fragiadaki I, Chaniotis V, Farrar MD, Karatzi C, Sotiriou E, Giannikaki E, Katoulis A, Papadakis M, Lallas A, Stefanidou M, Krueger-Krasagakis S, Rhodes LE, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- Humans, Photosensitizing Agents therapeutic use, Caspase 3 therapeutic use, Granzymes therapeutic use, bcl-2-Associated X Protein therapeutic use, Aminolevulinic Acid therapeutic use, Apoptosis, Bowen's Disease drug therapy, Photochemotherapy, Carcinoma, Basal Cell drug therapy, Skin Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to treat cutaneous cancers. It may induce cell death through direct and indirect means, including apoptosis, inflammation and certain immune mechanisms, with the depth of penetration as a potential modifying factor., Objectives: To examine the pathways of apoptosis in the intralesional PDT of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma (Bowen's disease)., Methods: Sixteen patients with superficial or nodular BCC and Bowen's disease were treated with intralesional aminolevulinic acid-PDT. Biopsies were taken at baseline and 24 h post-PDT, and sections were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of markers of apoptosis, such as caspase 3, involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, granzyme B, a caspase-independent apoptotic mediator, and the proapoptotic markers BAX and BAK., Results: Apoptotic cells stained with TUNEL showed statistically significant staining at 24 h post PDT (p < 0.01 in both BCC and Bowen's lesions). Caspase 3 (p < 0.01 in BCC and p < 0.05 in Bowen's) and granzyme B (p < 0.01 in BCC and p < 0.01 in Bowen's) were significantly increased at 24 h post-PDT. BAX expression was apparently increased compared to baseline in Bowen's lesions at 24 h post-PDT, whereas Bak was upregulated both in BCC and Bowen's disease at baseline and at 24 h post-PDT., Conclusion: Intralesional PDT induces apoptosis in BCC and Bowen's disease via common and alternative apoptotic pathways involving granzyme B. Proapoptotic factors Bak in both BCC and Bowen and Bax in Bowen's disease appear to increase by intralesional PDT at 24 h., (© 2023 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Pruritogenic Mediators and New Antipruritic Drugs in Atopic Dermatitis.
- Author
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Koumaki D, Gregoriou S, Evangelou G, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common highly pruritic chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting 5-20% of children worldwide, while the prevalence in adults varies from 7 to 10%. Patients with AD experience intense pruritus that could lead to sleep disturbance and impaired quality of life. Here, we analyze the pathophysiology of itchiness in AD. We extensively review the histamine-dependent and histamine-independent pruritogens. Several receptors, substance P, secreted molecules, chemokines, and cytokines are involved as mediators in chronic itch. We also, summarize the new emerging antipruritic drugs in atopic dermatitis.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of continuous CO 2 laser and 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.
- Author
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Konstantinou MP, Evangelou G, Hegazy S, Krasagakis K, and Bulai-Livideanu C
- Subjects
- Humans, Carbon Dioxide, Treatment Outcome, Lasers, Solid-State, Xanthomatosis, Skin Neoplasms, Lasers, Gas
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Merkel Cell Carcinoma-Update on Diagnosis, Management and Future Perspectives.
- Author
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Zaggana E, Konstantinou MP, Krasagakis GH, de Bree E, Kalpakis K, Mavroudis D, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
MCC is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer. The identification of the driving role of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and ultraviolet-induced DNA damage in the oncogenesis of MCC allowed a better understanding of its biological behavior. The presence of MCPyV-specific T cells and lymphocytes exhibiting an 'exhausted' phenotype in the tumor microenvironment along with the high prevalence of immunosuppression among affected patients are strong indicators of the immunogenic properties of MCC. The use of immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of patients with advanced MCC with anti-PD-1/PD L1 blockade, providing objective responses in as much as 50-70% of cases when used in first-line treatment. However, acquired resistance or contraindication to immune checkpoint inhibitors can be an issue for a non-negligible number of patients and novel therapeutic strategies are warranted. This review will focus on current management guidelines for MCC and future therapeutic perspectives for advanced disease with an emphasis on molecular pathways, targeted therapies, and immune-based strategies. These new therapies alone or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors could enhance immune responses against tumor cells and overcome acquired resistance to immunotherapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. A real-world, non-interventional, prospective study of the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve adults with moderate plaque psoriasis treated in the routine care in Greece - the 'APRAISAL' study.
- Author
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Ioannides D, Antonakopoulos N, Chasapi V, Oikonomou C, Tampouratzi E, Lazaridou E, Rigopoulos D, Neofotistou O, Drosos A, Anastasiadis G, Rovithi E, Kalinou C, Papadavid E, Aronis P, Papageorgiou M, Protopapa A, Bassukas I, Lefaki I, Zafiriou E, Krasagakis K, Pokas E, Anagnostopoulos Z, Kekki A, and Papakonstantis M
- Subjects
- Adult, Greece, Humans, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Severity of Illness Index, Thalidomide analogs & derivatives, Treatment Outcome, Psoriasis drug therapy, Quality of Life
- Abstract
Background: Real-world data in patients with moderate psoriasis treated with apremilast is limited., Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis in real-world clinical settings., Methods: This was a 52-week multicenter, observational, prospective study of adult outpatients with moderate psoriasis {[10% < body surface area < 20% or 10 < psoriasis area severity index (PASI) < 20] and 10 < dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) < 20} initiated on apremilast ≤7 days before enrollment. Missing data were imputed using the last observation carried forward method., Results: A total of 287 eligible patients (median age: 54.2 years; median psoriasis duration: 9.8 years) were consecutively enrolled. At baseline, the median DLQI and PASI scores were 12.0 and 11.8, respectively. The 52-week DLQI ≤ 5 and PASI75 response rates were 68.3% and 61.0%. At 52 weeks, 70.8% and 72.7% of the patients shifted from moderate/severe/very severe to clear/minimal scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis involvement, respectively; the pruritus severity state improved in 67.2%. The 52-week Kaplan-Meier estimated drug continuation rate was 85.3%. The adverse drug reaction rate was 19.9%., Conclusions: Apremilast is a safe and effective treatment for bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis and specific psoriasis manifestations., (© 2022 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. The IL-4/-13 Axis and Its Blocking in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.
- Author
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Pappa G, Sgouros D, Theodoropoulos K, Kanelleas A, Bozi E, Gregoriou S, Krasagakis K, and Katoulis AC
- Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathophysiology, intertwining immune dysregulation, epidermal barrier dysfunction, IgE sensitization, environmental factors and genetic predisposition. It has been recently identified that interleukins -4 and -13 play crucial roles in the type-2-driven inflammation that characterizes AD, contributing to its symptomatology. Novel therapeutic approaches that target Th2 cytokines and their respective pathways have been developed, aiming to optimize the treatment of AD.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards sun protection among patients with melanoma and atypical mole syndrome.
- Author
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Koumaki D, Papadakis M, Kouloumvakou S, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Background: Patients with atypical mole syndrome (AMS) have a 3- to 20-fold higher risk of developing malignant melanoma (MM) than individuals without. The most modifiable risk factor for developing MM is the ongoing ultraviolet exposure., Aim: To assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards sun protection among patients with MM and AMS., Methods: From January 2020 till December 2021, a written survey was administered to patients with MM and AMS and a control group who attended a specialist mole clinic at the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Heraklion in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Demographic data and photoprotective practices, knowledge, and perceived barriers were collected. Relevant statistical analyses were performed using SPSS IBM 25., Results: In total, 121 subjects consented and participated in the survey. Their mean age was 43.92 ± 12.55 years. There were 66 (54.4%) females and 55 (45.4%) males. Forty-seven (38.8%) patients had AMS, 26 (21.5%) had a past medical history of MM, and 48 (39.7%) attended the clinic for a full skin checkup for their naevi without having AMS or MM. Although 104 (86%) participants reported using sunscreen with the majority of them (59/121 = 48.8%) wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of > 50, only 22 (18.2%) patients did so every day and only 20 (16.5%) all year round. Approximately 74.4% of patients recalled having received advice on how to protect their skin from sunlight, and 73% were interested in receiving education about sun protection. The most mentioned barriers in photoprotection were concerns over adequate vitamin D and lack of time., Conclusion: Despite mentioning having received adequate education in photoprotection, adherence to photoprotection practices is suboptimal in patients with MM and AMS., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) after AZD1222 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines.
- Author
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Koumaki D, Marinos L, Nikolaou V, Papadakis M, Zografaki K, Lagoudaki E, Kotopouli FE, Krasagakis K, and Krueger-Krasagakis SE
- Subjects
- BNT162 Vaccine, COVID-19 Vaccines adverse effects, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Humans, COVID-19 prevention & control, Lymphomatoid Papulosis diagnosis, Skin Neoplasms
- Published
- 2022
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44. Psoriasis flare-up after AZD1222 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: report of twelve cases from a single centre.
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Koumaki D, Krueger-Krasagakis SE, Papadakis M, Katoulis AC, Gkiaouraki I, Zografaki K, Mylonakis D, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- BNT162 Vaccine, COVID-19 Vaccines adverse effects, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Humans, RNA, Messenger, Vaccines, Synthetic, mRNA Vaccines, COVID-19 prevention & control, Psoriasis
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Erythema Nodosum and Risk of Relapse - a 17-Year Study.
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Ioannou P, Andrianaki AM, Dimopoulou D, Kruger-Krasagakis S, Koumaki D, Kofteridis DP, Samonis G, and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common type of septal panniculitis which causes inflammation of the subcutaneous fat, being the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to specific triggers. It usually presents with erythematous painful rounded lumps symmetrically on the anterior surface of the lower limbs. Rarely, it may occur in other areas such as thighs, neck and arms. This is a retrospective study describing a cohort of patients hospitalized in the University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece. The present research compares characteristics between patients with and without relapse and identifies independent factors associated with relapse. All patients with EN hospitalized during a 17-year period were included. Data regarding epidemiology, current or recent infections, symptoms, laboratory values and relapses were all recorded and evaluated. In total, 138 patients, of which 27 (19.6%) males, with a median age of 46.5 years, were evaluated. Clinical presentation involved multiple lesions in 115 (83.3%) patients, while 12 (8.7%) of them were febrile. Relapse was noted in 27 (19.6%) subjects. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male gender was associated with a higher risk of relapse, while cases with multiple lesions were associated with a lower risk.
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- 2022
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46. Herpes zoster viral infection after AZD1222 and BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines: a case series.
- Author
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Koumaki D, Krueger-Krasagakis SE, Papadakis M, Katoulis A, Koumaki V, Evangelou G, Stefanidou M, Mylonakis D, Zografaki K, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- BNT162 Vaccine, COVID-19 Vaccines, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Humans, RNA, Messenger, SARS-CoV-2, Vaccines, Synthetic, mRNA Vaccines, COVID-19, Herpes Zoster
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Benign Familial Pemphigus (Hailey Hailey Disease)
- Author
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Konstantinou MP and Krasagakis K
- Abstract
Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD; OMIM 169600), also known as benign familial pemphigus, is a rare genodermatoses firstly described in 1939 by the Hailey brothers. HHD is characterized by impaired keratinocyte adhesion resulting in widespread intraepidermal acantholysis. Clinically, lesions appear as vesicles and bullae forming upon rupture, painful erosions, and rhagades in flexural areas. HHD is a chronic disease with a relapsing-remitting clinical course. Exacerbations are mainly triggered by sweating, minor trauma, and secondary infections. No curative treatment is available. Patient management can be challenging. Mild cases can be controlled successfully with intermittent courses of topical corticosteroids and antibiotics., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)
- Published
- 2022
48. Mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a decade study from a Greek cohort.
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Koumaki D, Machaira A, Katoulis AC, Bitados P, Orfanoudaki E, Foteinogiannopoulou K, Stefanidou M, Krasagakis K, and Koutroubakis IE
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Greece epidemiology, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Young Adult, Colitis, Ulcerative diagnosis, Colitis, Ulcerative drug therapy, Colitis, Ulcerative epidemiology, Crohn Disease diagnosis, Crohn Disease drug therapy, Crohn Disease epidemiology, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases diagnosis, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: We sought to investigate the prevalence of mucocutaneous manifestations (MCM) and potential associations with clinical characteristics in Greek patients with IBD., Methods: This was a retrospective observational single-center study. Patients with IBD diagnosis attending a tertiary referral hospital in Heraklion, Crete, from January 2010 to January 2020 were included. Data were extracted with relevant medical information from the IBD registry. Standard statistical tests, descriptive statistics tests, chi-square, Pearson correlation and multivariate analysis tests were performed, using IBM SPSS Statistics 25., Results: A total of 806 IBD patients were included in the study: 463 (57.4%) males, 441 (54.7%) Crohn's Disease, 352 (43.7%) ulcerative colitis and 13 (1.6%) IBD unclassified (IBD-U). Mean age was 50.67 ± 17.67 years, mean age of IBD diagnosis 36.67 ± 16.53 years and mean disease duration 13.65 ± 9.89 years. The prevalence of MCM was 171/806 (21.2%), 9.65% in ulcerative colitis and 30.84% in CD. The presence of MCM was significantly correlated with younger age of IBD diagnosis, longer IBD duration, CD diagnosis, inflammatory behavior and ileal or ileocolonic location of CD, extensive colitis in ulcerative colitis, intestinal manifestations (EIMs) and treatment with immunosuppressant or anti-TNFa. The development of MCM was independently associated with the presence of other EIMs odds ratio (OR), 4.03 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.60-6.24; P < 0.001] and treatment with immunosuppressant (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 01.14-3.07; P = 0.013) or anti-TNFa (OR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.59-3.84; P < 0.01)., Conclusions: In our study, about one-fifth of IBD patients developed MCM that was more frequently present in CD than in ulcerative colitis., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2021
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49. Effectiveness and safety of apremilast in biologic-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis treated in routine clinical practice in Greece: the APRAISAL study.
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Ioannides D, Antonakopoulos N, Georgiou S, Chasapi V, Katsantonis I, Drosos A, Rigopoulos D, Antoniou C, Anastasiadis G, Bassukas I, Ioannidou D, Protopapa A, Neofotistou O, Krasagakis K, Aronis P, Papageorgiou M, Lazaridou E, Patsatsi A, Lefaki I, Roussaki-Schulze AV, Satra F, Anagnostopoulos Z, and Papakonstantis M
- Subjects
- Adult, Female, Greece, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Quality of Life, Severity of Illness Index, Thalidomide analogs & derivatives, Treatment Outcome, Biological Products, Psoriasis drug therapy
- Abstract
Background: Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis., Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of apremilast on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and nail, scalp and palmoplantar involvement, when administered prior to biologics., Methods: This 52-week real-world study included biologic-naive adults with moderate psoriasis (psoriasis-involved body surface area 10% to <20%, or PASI 10 to <20 and DLQI 10 to <20). Apremilast was initiated ≤7 days before enrolment. Data from the first 100 eligible patients who completed 24 weeks (W24) of observation (or were prematurely withdrawn) are presented in this interim analysis using the last-observation-carried-forward imputation method., Results: Eligible patients (mean age: 49.9 years; 71.0% males; median disease duration: 8.0 years) were consecutively enrolled between April and October 2017, by 18 dermatology specialists practising in hospital outpatient settings in Greece. Baseline DLQI (median: 12.0) and PASI (median: 11.7) scores improved (P < 0.001) at all postbaseline timepoints (Weeks 6, 16 and 24; W24 median decreases: 9.0 and 9.4 points respectively). At W24, DLQI ≤5, DLQI 0 or 1, and PASI-75 response rates were 63.0%, 25.0% and 48.0% respectively. The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index score in patients with baseline nail involvement (n = 57) decreased at all postbaseline timepoints (P < 0.001; W24 median decrease: 20.0 points). At W24, 50.0% and 51.7% of patients with baseline scalp (n = 76) and palmoplantar (n = 29) involvement respectively achieved postbaseline Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 or 1 if baseline score was ≥3, or 0 if baseline score was 1 or 2. The adverse drug reaction rate was 21.0% (serious: 2.0%)., Conclusions: These interim results indicate that through 24 weeks, apremilast improved quality of life and reduced disease severity in biologic-naive patients with moderate plaque psoriasis, while demonstrating safety consistent with the known safety profile., (© 2021 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)
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- 2021
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- View/download PDF
50. Yellow urticaria in a patient with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and jaundice.
- Author
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Koumaki D, Demetriou G, and Krasagakis K
- Subjects
- Humans, Jaundice pathology, Male, Middle Aged, Urticaria pathology, Jaundice etiology, Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic complications, Urticaria etiology
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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